Apple to require 18+ ratings for dating apps and AI companions

Apple is changing its App Store rules to limit minors’ access to apps that provide dating features or AI companions with sexual or romantic content. The company announced the policy update to developers as part of broader measures aimed at protecting children, including the global rollout of age-assurance technology and expanded parental controls and safety tools.

From November 16, developers must add content descriptors so an app’s age rating reflects these functions. Unlike the previous approach, the policy will require every app offering dating or romantic relationship features to carry an 18+ rating, even though many major dating services already restrict their platforms to adults.

The change may also affect apps such as Character.AI and Replika, which allow users to create virtual friends, partners or fictional characters. xAI has also offered animated AI companions with unlockable NSFW capabilities. The article cites 220 million downloads for leading AI companion apps on Apple’s App Store and Google Play as of last summer. Apps must also disclose when they share users’ real-world locations. In Brazil, eligible family location-sharing apps can seek an official rating from the Ministry of Justice and Public Security instead of using the locally required A16 rating.